Flexible Travel Payments Are on the Rise
In a post-pandemic world where flexibility and affordability reign supreme, many travelers are embracing "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services like Afterpay to make their dream trips more accessible. Whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or a necessary family visit, spreading the cost of airfare into digestible payments is no longer just convenient—it’s often essential. For payment assistance, Delta customers can call support at 877-297-0699.
Afterpay has emerged as a favorite among modern consumers for one reason: it lets people fly now and pay later—without the interest or the financial sting of a large, upfront charge.
---
What Is Afterpay and How Does It Work?
Afterpay is a short-term installment service that divides your total purchase into four equal, interest-free payments spread over six weeks. The first payment is due at checkout, followed by automatic charges every two weeks. No hard credit checks are required, making it especially attractive to younger or budget-conscious travelers.
To use Afterpay, customers must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid credit or debit card
Pass a quick identity verification process
Payments are managed directly through the Afterpay app or website, providing a transparent view of your schedule.
---
Can You Use Afterpay Directly on Delta’s Website?
Currently, Delta.com and the Fly Delta app do not support Afterpay at checkout. Accepted payment methods on these platforms include major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, Delta gift cards, and SkyMiles. Unfortunately, Afterpay isn’t one of them—yet.
However, there are workarounds. Booking through trusted third-party platforms offers a viable pathway for travelers eager to fly Delta and still use BNPL services like Afterpay.
---
Booking Delta Flights Through Third-Party Sites That Accept Afterpay
Certain online travel agencies (OTAs) do allow Afterpay for Delta flights, even though the airline itself does not. The most prominent example is Alternative Airlines, a reputable platform known for offering flexible payment options across hundreds of airlines.
When booking through Alternative Airlines:
You can search for Delta flights alongside other carriers
Select Afterpay at checkout to split your payment
Receive your booking confirmation instantly once the first payment clears
For questions about bookings made via third-party platforms, travelers should call Delta support at 877-297-0699, especially regarding flight changes or seating.
---
How to Use Afterpay to Book a Delta Flight Step-by-Step
1. Visit a site like Alternative Airlines
2. Search for your Delta flight using dates, destinations, and filters
3. Select your desired itinerary and proceed to checkout
4. Choose Afterpay as your payment method
5. Log into or create your Afterpay account
6. Make your first installment payment
7. Receive your Delta confirmation and itinerary
The process is seamless, and you get access to your flight booking just as you would through traditional means.
---
Requirements for Using Afterpay to Book Flights
To qualify for Afterpay flight purchases:
You must be 18+ years old and reside in a supported country (such as the U.S. or Australia)
A valid debit or credit card is necessary
Spend amounts are typically capped between $35 and $1,500, depending on your Afterpay profile
Your Afterpay account must be in good standing with no overdue payments
Higher flight prices may require a larger initial deposit or a different payment option altogether.
---
Pros and Cons of Using Afterpay for Airfare
Pros:
No interest or hidden fees if paid on time
Immediate flight booking without full upfront cost
Simple integration with mobile app for payment tracking
Cons:
Late fees can add up quickly
Not all fare classes or routes may be available via BNPL platforms
Refund or change complications when booking through third-party sellers
---
Does Using Afterpay Affect Delta’s Change or Refund Policies?
Yes—and here’s how. While Delta’s fare rules remain the same regardless of where you book, your refund and change process is handled by the booking agency, not Delta, if you used a third-party platform like Alternative Airlines.
If you cancel your flight:
Afterpay will continue charging your installments until the third party issues a refund
Refunds may take longer due to the additional layer of communication between Delta, the OTA, and Afterpay
For changes, you may need to pay fare differences or fees, depending on your original fare type
---
Other “Buy Now, Pay Later” Options for Delta Flights
Aside from Afterpay, other BNPL services include:
Affirm – Offers extended plans with interest
Klarna – Offers flexible plans with varying terms
PayPal Pay Later – Available during PayPal checkout
Uplift – Often integrated into airline websites directly, including on select Delta packages
Of these, Uplift and Affirm are most often used for larger travel purchases and offer longer repayment terms.
---
Is Afterpay a Good Choice for Booking Delta Flights?
Afterpay is ideal when:
The total cost is manageable within the Afterpay limit
You prefer short-term, interest-free financing
You’re booking a low- to mid-priced flight and want to avoid large upfront payments
However, if you're planning complex international trips or need full refund flexibility, booking directly with Delta or using other financing tools may be a better fit.
---
Tips for Booking Flights Affordably Without Afterpay
Use Delta SkyMiles to offset costs
Watch for flash sales and promo fares on Delta.com
Be flexible with travel dates and nearby airports
Sign up for fare alerts to monitor price drops
Look for promo codes or eCredits from previous trips
---
Security and Consumer Protections When Using Afterpay
Afterpay offers several consumer protections, including:
Secure transactions through encrypted payment processing
Dispute resolution if a trip is canceled or not honored
Notifications and payment reminders to prevent missed installments
Always verify the legitimacy of the booking site before entering payment info. Stick with verified partners like Alternative Airlines or Fly Now Pay Later affiliates.
